plenipotent

American  

[pluh-nip-uh-tuhnt] / pləˈnɪp ə tənt /

adjective

1. invested with or possessing full power.

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plenipotent British  

/ pləˈnɪpətənt /

adjective

1. a less common word for plenipotentiary

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Etymology

Origin of plenipotent

First recorded in 1650–60; from Medieval Latin plēnipotent- (stem of plēnipotēns ), equivalent to plēni-, the combining form of plēnus “full” and potent-, the combining form of potēns, the present participle of posse “to be able, have power”

Example Sentences

As youthful Germans crowded about their parents to know the meaning of all these developments, there was told to them again the plenipotent legend of Paul Ludwig Hans Anton von Beneckendorff und Hindenburg: "Eine Selbstverstandlichkeit."

From Time Magazine Archive

Had any oldtime Stamfordites seen him, they might well have felt their heartstrings torn at the contrast between the jaunty penniless school-teacher and the obese plenipotent statesman.

From Time Magazine Archive

Later the genial Winston did his colleague Sir Austen the favor to "loan" him "No. 11 Downing,"** at which Sir Austen and Lady Cham- berlain proceeded to entertain the plenipotent signatories.

From Time Magazine Archive

Since he was going to resume the trying helm of France, he had every reason for wishing to grasp it firmly and at once, so that he could return plenipotent to Geneva.

From Time Magazine Archive

And Hatfield loved this little human tiger that had come to-day to arraign him with the iron gusto of a born ruler and all the plenipotent fire of a vice king and despot.

From The Red Debt Echoes from Kentucky by MacDonald, Everett